The Mysterious Grand Canyon of Tianshan Mountains

It's hard to find such a place in China where the majestic mountains and rivers walk hand in hand with the distant history, where a scroll of tenderness comparable to that of the south of the Yangtze River is hidden in the wild desolation, and where, without leaving the country, you traverse among the crowds of a strange foreign land. This place is Southern Xinjiang!! Plateaus, lakes, snow-capped mountains, valleys, forests, and wetlands - six types of terrain all in one net. See it all at once, without regrets. Recommended 14-Day Itinerary for Southern Xinjiang: D1: Various places→Urumqi (pick up and check into hotel) D2: Urumqi→Flaming Mountains→Karez Wells→Turpan D3: Turpan→Loulan Village→Korla D4: Korla→Tarim Poplar Forest Park→Kuqa D5: Kuqa→Mysterious Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains→Kuqa Prince's Residence→Aksu D6: Aksu→Bachu Red Sea Scenic Area→Bachu D7: Bachu→Kashgar Old City→Xiangfei Garden→Kashgar D8: Kashgar→White Sand Lake→Kalakule Lake→Taheman Wetland→Taxkorgan D9: Taxkorgan→Panlong Ancient Path→Stone City→Jingcao Beach→Kashgar D10: Kashgar→Yarkand Khan Palace→Hotan D11: Hotan→Taklamakan Desert Highway→Shaya D12: Shaya→Shaya World Poplar Forest Park→Korla D13: Korla→Bosten Lake→Urumqi (end of trip and return home) D14: Urumqi→Airport transfer back to the warmth of home 【tips】: There is a large temperature difference between day and night, which can be around 20 degrees Celsius. At night, set the air conditioning to a comfortable temperature and do not make it too cool; cover yourself with a quilt. During the trip, please carry rain gear, hats, large sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, personal toiletries, and a thermos (the water quality in Xinjiang is relatively hard, it's better to drink boiled water).

|Unveil her mysterious veil. The Mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon is formed by red-brown rocks 🌧️ sculpted by wind and rain. The canyon is winding and secluded, with a unique cave, the mountain is varied, and the peaks are straight into the sky. There are gullies in the gully, and valleys in the valley. The South Heaven Gate, Ghost Valley, 🌙 Crescent Gorge, Tiger Tooth Bridge, Demon Sky Cave, Hero's Tears and other landscapes are vivid, combining majesty, danger, seclusion, quietness, and divinity. Everyone who is in it can't help but praise it~ The whole journey requires walking 🚶 but the intensity of the exercise is not great, basically all are gentle sections. The geographical location is convenient, it can be strung together with the punch points of Kuche, and it can be arranged in one go~ ⏰Best travel time: Aksu belongs to the warm temperate continental arid climate, but it is located at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, nourished by countless snow peak meltwater, making Aksu one of the few oasis cities in Xinjiang. Aksu has distinct seasons, and the best travel time is in September-October~ ⚠️tips: 1⃣️Choose a super wide-angle 12mm lens for shooting in the valley 📷 to capture impactful images 2⃣️☀️It is recommended to bring lighting equipment for portrait shooting The light ratio in the canyon is large, and people directly shoot black~ 3⃣️ You need to check the weather in advance before you go If the weather is not good ☁️, it is not recommended to go if it rains First, the scenic area may be closed, second, the road surface will become muddy when it encounters water, it is not easy to walk, and third, it is afraid of encountering situations like mudslides 4⃣️If you don't want to walk, you can also ride a camel🐫 in the scenic area

The mysterious "Tianshan Grand Canyon" is a canyon in the Kizilia range of the Tianshan Mountains, formed by reddish-brown rocks through billions of years of wind and rain erosion. The reddish-brown mountain mass of the "Tianshan Grand Canyon" soars into the sky, and under the sunlight, it looks like clusters of burning flames. The charm of the "Tianshan Grand Canyon" lies not only in its grandeur and precipitousness, but also in its depth, tranquility, and mystery. Standing at the bottom of the valley and looking up at the high mountains, one feels as if the steep peaks could press down at any moment, causing a sense of suffocation and dizziness. The Tianshan Grand Canyon, also known as the Kizilia Grand Canyon, is located in the northern part of Kuqa City in the Aksu region of Xinjiang, 64 kilometers north of the city (formerly known as Qiuci), at 42°8'N and 83°5'E. The canyon stretches from east to west for about 5.5 kilometers. It is formed by reddish-brown rocks sculpted by wind and rain, with winding paths leading to secluded spots, and the mountain shapes are varied and majestic, with peaks reaching into the sky, and valleys within valleys. Scenic spots such as the South Heaven Gate, Ghost Valley, Crescent Gorge, Tiger Tooth Bridge, Devil's Cave, and Warrior's Tears are vividly shaped and lifelike. 1.4 kilometers from the mouth of the canyon, there is a Tang Dynasty grotto on the cliff, with remnants of murals and Chinese characters on the south, north, and west walls. Another canyon, 700 meters from the main canyon, accompanies the mysterious canyon. The Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon combines the wonders of earthly canyons with the unique landscapes of the Tianshan Mountains, embodying the spirit of the ages, and integrating the divine, the strange, the dangerous, the majestic, the ancient, and the secluded into one. The scenery is extraordinary and fascinating.

How to get there Method 1: Self-driving, a must-pass on the Duku Highway Method 2: Join a tour group, there are one-day tours departing from Kucha, costing 300 yuan per person, including the entrance fee Method 3: Hire a taxi in Kucha, the cost is 300 yuan per day, plus a round-trip toll fee of 40, totaling 340 yuan per day. It's more cost-effective to share a car with more people, and the key is you can stop at will. Method 4: Share a ride from the bus station, depending on the time of day, there may be cars available during the peak season, but not in the off-season. The vehicles are mainly minibuses going to nearby mines, costing about 35 yuan per person one way About the attractions Grand Canyon entrance fee is 40 yuan per person, the visiting time is 2-3 hours, it's very photogenic on sunny days, quite stunning, and it's cooler inside the canyon, so bring an extra piece of clothing, The entrance fee for the Thousand Buddha Caves is 70 yuan per person, worth visiting if you're interested in Buddhist history, but just for the scenery, it's average~ About the internet-famous check-in spots 1 Departing from Kucha towards the Grand Canyon, about 4 kilometers from the Grand Canyon, is the Red Mountain Stone Forest, which now has a photo spot set up, very convenient, but the train arrival time is uncertain, you can try your luck and wait 2 The Wave Road, after visiting the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, you will encounter it on the way from Baicheng to Kucha, the terrain beside the road shaped like ingots is the Wave Road 3 The end of the Duku Highway monument, about 15 kilometers before reaching Kucha, there's a Golden Mountain check-in spot, the monument is inside About sun protection and moisturizing Kucha is very hot in April, and there will be dust falling from the sky, so hats, masks, and sunscreen are essential, but it's very cool under the trees, moisturizing is necessary as the air is quite dry About food The road is mostly uninhabited, with not much to eat, there are 2 small restaurants in the Grand Canyon, none in the Thousand Buddha Caves, it's advised to prepare some dry food in advance~ About road conditions Roads are under construction, there will be speed limits and alternating one-way traffic, yielding usually starts from 30-45 minutes, and there's a lot of dust and sand on the road, so don't think about washing your car~

❤Recommended Reason: The Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon is a combination of majesty, danger, seclusion, tranquility, and divinity. The canyon is composed of a massive group of reddish-brown mountains, known in Uyghur as 'Keziliya' (red cliffs), formed by millions of years of wind erosion and torrential floods. It is a rare arid natural scenic spot in China. The winding paths of the canyon present a myriad of landscapes, with strange peaks and rocks, perilous caves and gorges. On the left side of the valley, the cliffs boast the Thousand Buddha Caves from the prosperous Tang Dynasty, with murals that are clear, rich in content, vivid, and lifelike. Being there is like wandering in a fairyland on earth! ⛰【Travel Tips】 📍Detailed Address: On the north side of National Highway 217, No. 1025, Kuqa County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, 64 kilometers north of Kuqa County town. 🚗Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours 🕙Opening Hours: All year round 10:00-19:00 💰Ticket Price: 40 yuan 🌟Highlights: The rocks, sculpted by wind and rain, are reddish-brown throughout. The mountain shapes are varied, with peaks reaching straight into the sky! The sunlit mountains contrast sharply with the shaded ones, creating a vivid tableau. The entire mountain is bathed in red, with a secluded path winding through the canyon, revealing a hidden paradise. Tourists riding camels through the valleys add an exotic flavor! The narrowest part of the canyon is just wide enough for one person to pass through! 📌Small Tips: There are no shuttle buses in the scenic area; walking is sufficient as the distances are not very long. However, it is essential to wear waterproof and slip-resistant shoes, preferably hiking boots, as the paths are all gravel, and there are puddles throughout the canyon!

🌟 Highlights: The canyon is known for its perilous steepness. It is one of the most beautiful scars on Earth, and canyons often evoke awe. China's vast territory and grand mountains and rivers have created countless magical canyons. Exploring the top ten most beautiful canyons in China, you will find bizarre shapes, unique scenery, and a sense of shock and mystery! 👍 Most Recommended: Kucha Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon Known as the Mysterious Grand Canyon and Devil's Canyon, it is a canyon in the Keziliya mountain range, a branch of the Tianshan Mountains. The canyon walls rise thousands of feet high, blocking out the sun, with vivid natural landscapes that are shockingly realistic. Yangtze River Three Gorges Grand Canyon The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River is a magnificent grand canyon along the Yangtze River, especially within the territories of Chongqing and Hubei provinces. It is also the only grand canyon in the world that can be toured by boat! Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is the deepest canyon on Earth and the world's largest grand canyon. It is known as the last secret place for humans and, along with the Potala Palace and Mount Everest, is one of the three world-class attractions in the Tibet Autonomous Region! Dadu River Jinkou Grand Canyon Located between Hanyuan County of Leshan and Ganluo County of Liangshan in Sichuan, it stretches from the Usu River in the west to the Jinkou River in the east. It is the longest, most dangerous, narrowest, deepest, most majestic, most complete, and most secluded grand canyon in Sichuan. Nujiang Grand Canyon It is the world's longest, most mysterious, most beautifully perilous, and most pristine grand canyon. It is a geographical wonder within Yunnan and is known as the Oriental Grand Canyon. Lancang River Meili Grand Canyon The grand canyon is located in Deqin County of Diqing in Yunnan and is the place with the greatest elevation difference in Yunnan. From the Baima Snow Mountain pass, you can look down upon the steep and deep valleys and gaze at the crystal-clear and rugged Meili Snow Mountain range. Only then can you truly feel the immense shock and spectacular view! Jinsha River Tiger Leaping Gorge Known for its danger, it is one of the deepest canyons in China and a famous grand canyon in the world. Renowned for its perilous and majestic beauty, it is also one of the top ten classic hiking trails in the world. Yellow River Shanxi-Shaanxi Grand Canyon The Yellow River Shanxi-Shaanxi Grand Canyon is located at the border between Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, with the Yellow River as the boundary. It is the longest continuous canyon on the main stream of the Yellow River. The contrast of water and stone has created the magical, beautiful, and majestic scenery of the Hundred-Mile Gallery along the Yellow River. Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon The Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon is located at the border between Shanxi and Henan provinces. The best views are found in the Linzhou Grand Canyon of Henan and the Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon of Shanxi. It is a typical representative of the northern majestic scenery, known as the Hundred-Mile Gallery! 🔟 Taroko Gorge The grand canyon has the continuous majestic landscape of the Yangtze River Three Gorges, known for its grand and nearly vertical marble canyon landscapes. The steep canyons and cliffs are significant features of the Taroko Gorge, which is acclaimed as the Three Gorges of the treasure island. ✅ Must Experience: How many of China's top ten most beautiful canyons have you checked off? 📍 Detailed Address: Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon

My trip to Xinjiang, the Mysterious Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains was one of the unforgettable experiences, it was so spectacular! Walking through the canyon, I deeply felt how insignificant I was in front of nature; the morning light passing through the canyon, shining golden, complemented by the blue sky, Xinjiang is so beautiful! Photographed in the Mysterious Grand Canyon of the Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, October 2023

🌈 Duku Highway, also known as National Highway 217 from Dushanzi to Kuqa, connects southern and northern Xinjiang, traverses the Tianshan Mountains, and is also known as the Tianshan Highway. The entire journey is 561 kilometers long and requires crossing over 4 mountain passes. Here, you can experience all four seasons in one day, and every ten miles offers a different sky. The scenery is primitive and stunning! It has been selected by 'National Geographic' as a 'scenic avenue that traverses the spine of the Tianshan Mountains,' especially the southern section's Big and Small Dragon Pools, which are like two crystal-clear gems, delighting the heart and refreshing the mind! The canyon's landforms are like stepping into a magical and different world, mysterious and shocking! 💥Must-visit attractions ✅Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon: A bright pearl on the ancient Silk Road! It combines the beauty of earthly canyons and the uniqueness of Tianshan's scenery, embodying the spirit of eternity, and integrating the divine, the strange, the dangerous, the majestic, the ancient, and the secluded into one, like a magical different world. ✅Naraty Grassland: One of the top ten scenic areas in Xinjiang and also one of the four great grasslands in the world. It encompasses snow-capped mountains, grasslands, valleys, and forests, with a high vegetation coverage rate and rich wildlife resources. Its 'sky grassland' is the most classic. ✅Qiaojia Hero Monument: A red base, the Heroic Tianshan Road was built to commemorate the 168 revolutionary martyrs who sacrificed themselves for the construction of the Duku Highway and is a national revolutionary martyrs' cemetery. ✅Bayinbuluke: China's second-largest grassland, with lush water and grass, was a filming location for the movie 'Pegasus'. Not only does it have the 'Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends' of the Kaidu River, but also the elegant and charming Swan Lake. With luck, you can see swans. When you stand on the mountaintop by Swan Lake at sunset, and the sun shoots thousands of rays of light through the clouds onto the grassland, you can see the winding Kaidu River reflecting the nine suns shot down by Hou Yi, which is very magical. ✅Tangbula Grassland: A natural scenic area that combines forests, grasslands, rapids, and mountainous beauty, and was a filming location for 'Flowers of the Tianshan'. Its Fairy Lake is a popular internet spot, and the ancient Mengketu Trail to the north is also worth a visit. ✅Dushanzi Grand Canyon: Known as the 'Duku secret realm, a billion-year spectacle,' it has been featured in National Geographic as the most beautiful highway in the country and is the number one scenic spot on the Duku Highway. It was also a filming location for the TV series 'Novoland: The Castle in the Sky' and the movie 'Pegasus'. 🔴‼️To fully experience the beauty of Duku, cycling is the best strategy D1 Departure point - Dushanzi Town, warm-up cycling for 5 kilometers D2 Dushanzi Town - Wulansadak (Silk Road Station 639), cycling for 85 kilometers D3 Wulansadak - Hashilegendaban - Hundred Mile Gallery - Qiaojia, cycling for 86 kilometers D4 Qiaojia - Hundred Mile Gallery - Naraty, distance 117 kilometers, cycling for 87 kilometers D5 Naraty - Lartundaban - Bayinbuluke, cycling for 69 kilometers D6 Bayinbuluke - Big and Small Dragon Pools - Kuruli, cycling for 156 kilometers D7 Kuruli - Tianshan Grand Canyon - Kuqa, distance 105 kilometers, cycling for 87 kilometers ⚠️Tips 1️⃣ The Duku Highway is only open for about four months a year (June to September), but it will be closed in extreme weather. The road condition is good, and only vehicles with 7 seats or less are allowed to pass. 2️⃣ Accommodations at the starting and ending points are very good. Midway accommodations are in Naraty and Bayinbuluke. If you don't watch the sunrise at the 'Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends', Naraty is preferred. 3️⃣ There are 4 mountain passes in total, with many sharp turns. Remember not to overtake, overtake in the wrong direction, or coast downhill in neutral. 4️⃣ Some places have no signal. Inform family and friends in advance if there's an issue, and also carry some change and snacks in case of unexpected traffic jams. 5️⃣ During peak season, traffic jams from north to south on Duku are severe. If you only travel on Duku, it is recommended to start from Kuqa in the opposite direction. 6️⃣ Do not stop to take photos at random, pay attention to safety, and there are special parking areas along the way for viewing and taking photos; if you encounter thin ice, water stains, cattle, and sheep, please observe the road surface and drive slowly. 7️⃣ The Duku Highway has 'four seasons in one day,' even in summer, you need to bring cold-weather clothing. 8️⃣ The essence of the Duku Highway is in the southern section, from Bayinbuluke to Kuqa. Travel agencies generally won't go out of their way to visit, but if you have plenty of time and are self-driving/chartered, be sure to complete this section. 9️⃣ The toll station on the Duku Highway is located more than 10 kilometers away from Kuqa City at Yanshui Gully 20, and it charges both ways. 🔟 There are very few gas stations along the way (as shown in the picture), and there will be queues! Be sure to fill up when you encounter a gas station. 1️⃣1️⃣ There are three charging stations along the way: Maoliu Gully Service Area, Lati Tourism Service Area, and Bayinbuluke Pegasus Bayin Self-Driving Camp. 1️⃣2️⃣ Most of the road sections have a speed limit of 40, some cannot exceed 30, and the maximum speed cannot exceed 80. 1️⃣3️⃣ Traffic hours: 7 am to 9 pm